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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lanarkshire Live

Brave Lanarkshire OAP fought off thug who tried to steal her purse

A Lanarkshire OAP bravely fought off a thug who tried to steal her purse.

The plucky 75-year-old woman struggled with and kicked Martin Higgins at Tesco in Rutherglen on October 29, last year.

The 36-year-old had earlier confronted the woman from behind and told her: "I'm going to have that wallet", before grabbing the purse.

Higgins plead guilty this week at Glasgow Sheriff Court to attempted robbery.

He was jailed for nine months after he completes 102 days of a previous sentence.

Sheriff Andrew Cubie said: "You are right to be ashamed as it must have been a terrifying experience for her.

"She was selected as she was old, vulnerable and easy pickings.

"It is a credit that she did not give her purse to you."

The court heard the victim was outside the passenger side of her car in order to pick up her handbag.

Higgins approached her from behind and made the comment.

He then used two hands to clutch her purse.

Prosecutor Sarah Latta said: "She pulled back to prevent him taking it while he pulled the purse away.

"She repeatedly shouted for Higgins to go away and kicked him which alerted others."

Higgins let go, fled the scene and was later traced at his home.

He told officers that he was "just asking for money" and that he "didn't rob anything".

Stephen Bentley, defending, told the court that Higgins was "desperately" trying to fund his drug habit.

The lawyer added: "He asked me to convey whatever apologies he can in court to the victim for the amount of stress and anxiety he would have caused her."

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